Teeth whitening is one of the most highly demanded dental cosmetic procedures around the world. Society has always put great stress on the importance of having white teeth and a bright smile. A bright smile increases self-confidence and makes way for further conversation. Moreover, it also reduces the appearance of facial wrinkles and gives a more youthful appearance. It’s no wonder that teeth whitening is so popular amongst teenagers as well as adults.
Owing to this enormous demand for teeth whitening, many companies have launched at-home teeth whitening kits, which are generally much cheaper than in-the-office teeth whitening treatments. However, their safety is debatable, and patients often tend to overdo it leading to various dental complications. The efficiency of at-home teeth whitening kits is also not very well established. Moreover, in-the-office teeth whitening by professional dentists and at-home kits whiten the teeth with the help of specific chemical agents. The most commonly used active ingredients for teeth whitening are hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide. However, these chemicals come with their disadvantages and limitations. In addition, professional teeth whitening treatments can be expensive and are not covered under dental insurance. So, if you are someone who is looking for some inexpensive and natural remedies for teeth whitening, this blog is just for you.
Why Do Teeth Turn Yellow?
Perils of the oral environment sustained over a long time can stain and even wear down the enamel of the teeth. Once enamel wears off or even thins out, the underlying dentine gets exposed. It is the exposure of this dentinal layer that gives the teeth a yellowish appearance. Moreover, the foods we eat and beverages we drink also affect the shade of our natural teeth. Excessive consumption of coffee, tea, wine and other alcoholic beverages can lead to yellowing of the teeth. Smoking and tobacco consumption are also significant factors that are responsible for yellow teeth. In addition, improper oral hygiene practice can lead to the deposition of plaque and calculus, which again gives the teeth a yellowish appearance. However, this discoloration usually goes away with proper professional deep cleaning.
5 Ways To Naturally Whiten Your Teeth
Maintain An Impeccable Oral Hygiene This should not come as a surprise at this point! The sure-shot way of ensuring whiter and healthy-looking teeth is to have good oral hygiene. Excellent oral hygiene is key in the prevention and reduction of yellowing of the teeth. It also keeps gum diseases and dental decay at bay.
It would help if you generally opted for a soft-bristled nylon toothbrush and a fluoride-rich toothpaste to clean your teeth twice a day. Brush your teeth for a minimum of 3 minutes, once in the morning and once before bed. This will prevent chances of teeth yellowing and even reduce it in some cases. Secondly, use a piece of floss to reach between two teeth and get the plaque out. You can also supplement regular oral hygiene with a mouthwash to ensure you get rid of all the debris and deposits on the surface of your teeth.
Brush Your Teeth With Baking SodaAnother natural teeth whitening product you can use to whiten your teeth is Baking Soda. Baking soda is known to have some natural whitening properties and is commonly found in commercial teeth whitening toothpaste. Brushing your teeth with baking soda can scrub away the surface stains on your teeth as it is a gentle abrasive.
Moreover, baking soda is basic in nature and creates an alkaline environment in the oral cavity, preventing disease-causing bacteria growth. All you need to do is take one tablespoon of baking soda and mix it with two tablespoons of water to form a smooth paste. Next, brush your teeth with this concoction like normal 3-4 times a week. You will notice that with regular use, your teeth shade is indeed getting lighter. However, do not expect professional teeth whitening level results from these home remedies.
Oil PullingIf you are on social media, you must have heard or seen something about oil pulling at least once. Oil pulling is a traditional Indian medicine procedure used to improve oral health and remove toxins from the body.
In oil pulling, you are supposed to take a tablespoon of oil and swirl it around your mouth for 15-20 minutes. Make sure it goes through the gaps between the teeth. Once the time is up, you can spit the oil in a trash can or your toilet. Indian traditional medicine uses sunflower or sesame oil for this procedure due to its medicinal properties. However, you can also use coconut oil. These oils will wash away the bacteria responsible for plaque build-up and also prevent the yellowing of the teeth. This natural method of teeth whitening is also known to keep gum diseases like plaque and gingivitis away. Moreover, oil pulling has also been shown to reduce inflammation.
Oil pulling does not abrade your teeth and is perfectly safe for the oral cavity. This means you can practice oil pulling every day.
Take A Healthy DietA diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables is not only good for your body but also for your teeth. This prevents plaque accumulation and supports the natural cleaning of your mouth. In addition, try to limit your exposure to sugary and carbonated beverages, sticky candies and chocolates. Excessive caffeine consumption can also spoil pearly whites. In conclusion, teeth whitening through natural products is a great idea and does give results. The best way to ensure the health of your pearly whites is through proper oral hygiene practices and consumption of a proper diet. However, if you already have stained teeth, it is best to consult a dentist and opt for professional teeth whitening procedures for efficient and substantial results. If you have any more questions, or would like to know about our services, please do reach out to us. Our Markham dentist team of excellent dental professionals will be there to assist you in your journey to an impeccable oral health.